A threatening call mentioning gunfire near the lion exhibit sent San Diego police rushing to the San Diego Zoo yesterday, briefly shutting down parts of the park and filling pathways with officers in uniform. Zoo guests were evacuated from some areas or told to shelter in place while police checked enclosures, reviewed surveillance footage and methodically swept the grounds.
Police said the call came in around 1:10 PM, prompting an immediate response focused on the area around the lion habitat. The caller allegedly threatened to shoot both people and animals near the exhibit, and the tip was routed through a dispatcher in California City, more than 200 miles from San Diego, according to CBS 8.
Swatting Trend And Legal Consequences
Investigators quickly concluded they were likely dealing with a case of "swatting," a false report that sends emergency crews racing to a scene for a threat that does not exist. Similar hoaxes have recently forced evacuations and temporary closures at multiple zoos, tying up first responders and interrupting daily animal care routines. The Associated Press reports that federal officials view swatting as a growing nationwide problem that can bring both state and federal criminal charges, as detailed by AP News.
Zoo And Police Response
The San Diego Zoo said in a statement that the San Diego Police Department ultimately determined the call was a hoax and that there is no active threat to guests, per CBS 8. After a detailed sweep, officers reopened the affected area and confirmed they found no evidence of any danger. CBS 8 also reported that the lions are housed in the Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey exhibit and that animal care teams kept all enclosures secured during the investigation.
What Visitors Should Know
Guests who were at the zoo during the temporary closure can visit the San Diego Zoo's official website for advisories or contact guest services with questions about refunds and follow-up steps. For official safety updates and any additional information from law enforcement, monitor the San Diego Zoo online at San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Police Department's account at San Diego Police Department on X.
